Everyone knows California’s Napa Valley has some of the best wineries in the world, but it’s so much more than just wine. Napa Valley is a world-class Wine Country filled with extraordinary culinary experiences, stunning mountains and vineyards, and amazing art. It’s also just a hop, skip, and a jump (or rather a short drive) from San Francisco and neighboring Sonoma, which makes it a perfect destination for a day trip.

While you could easily fit in a half-day visit to Napa, we suggest making it a full-day trip, so you can do all the fun things like wine tasting, dining out, and exploring, of course. And there’s no need for lots of planning because this itinerary maps out how to have a fantastic day full of some of Napa Valley’s best experiences without too much time in the car. (Note: Most of the stops on the itinerary are in and around the city of Napa, as destinations further north like Rutherford and St. Helena would eat up too much drive time.)

Start with a hearty breakfast

Breakfast is definitely the most important meal of the day when wine tasting is on the itinerary. Proteins and carbs will help soak up that booze (or at least help it absorb it more slowly), and there’s no better protein and carb combo than the chicken and waffles at Boon Fly Café at the picturesque Carneros Resort and Spa. Located at 4048 Sonoma Highway (as you head into Napa from San Francisco or Sonoma), it’s the perfect spot to start the day. Pro tip: Grab a dozen of the famous donuts for car snacking.

Blend your own wine at the Hess Collection Winery

Atop Mount Veeder, you’ll find Hess Persson Estates, located at 4441 Redwood Road in Napa, where you can play winemaker for the day by blending three varietals to create a custom blend you can take home. Or, if you’d rather enjoy your wine with a side of art, opt for the Walking Tour of the Hess Contemporary Art Museum, one of the most impressive private collections in the world, before sitting down to sample the winery’s newest releases.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Oxbow Market (plus treats to take home)

Oxbow Public Market, located at 610 1st Street in Napa, is popular with locals and tourists alike, and for good reason. You’ll find all kinds of food purveyors at this lively high-end market, where you can enjoy a fantastic meal as well as find all kinds of epicurean delights from local Californian food and wine producers. Take a lap before committing to your lunch fare (you’ll find everything from oysters to burgers to tacos) and then enjoy your meal on the spacious deck overlooking the Napa River. You can also find plenty of goodies to assemble your own picnic, if you’d prefer to pack a picnic and eat along the Napa Riverfront.

Stroll and shop in downtown Napa

If you’re looking for something to do other than wine tasting, look no further than First Street in downtown Napa, where you’ll find three blocks of tasting rooms, interesting shops, and unique art galleries. You can also stop by the Napa Valley Welcome Center, located at 1300 1st Street, and pick up a complimentary map for the Napa Valley Art Walk, a public outdoor art exhibition featuring eight sculptures, all within walking distance of each other.

Tour and taste at some of Napa’s best wineries

It would be extremely ambitious to stop at every winery mentioned on this itinerary, but if you want to make a go of it, they’re listed here in driving order. Better yet, pick one or two, so you can really enjoy the experience without rushing or worrying about time.

Stags’ Leap Winery, located at 6150 Silverado Trail in Napa, is on one of California’s first wine estates—home to 240 acres of vineyards and an 1890s stone Manor House surrounded by beautiful gardens. Book the 90-minute Manor House Tour & Tasting experience so you can explore the property and gardens before enjoying a seated tasting.

Silverado Vineyards, at 6121 Silverado Trail in the heart of the Stags Leap District, is all about offering up quality wines alongside beautiful views. Try their new White Wine & Caviar experience for something on the lighter side, or dive into their rich Cabernets during their Legacy Cabernet offering.

Burgess Cellars, situated at 2921 Silverado Trail, doesn’t just offer exceptional wines, but this historic property also has sweeping views that are pretty darn spectacular.

If you’re planning to head back to San Francisco or Sonoma before dinner, stop into Domaine Carneros on your way out of town, which is located at 1240 Duhig Road in Napa. Stroll through the formal gardens before taking a seat on the terrace of the French-inspired Chateau, where you can sip bubbles, snack on caviar, and toast to an amazing day in Wine Country.

If an urban winery is more your jam, don’t miss Robert Mondavi’s new Arch & Tower tasting room. Located overlooking the Napa River, at 930 3rd Street in Napa, Arch & Tower is downtown Napa’s newest spot to sip acclaimed wine while enjoying curated food pairings. If you plan it right, you can sip a glass of wine as the sun sets during their Golden Hour tasting, before heading out to dinner.

Get a new perspective on Napa with an unusual or global-inspired dining experience

If you’re “just” looking for exceptional food in a stylish space that stays fixed to the ground for the entire meal, Napa has some extraordinary restaurants. Angèle Restaurant & Bar, a riverfront bistro located at 540 Main Street in downtown Napa, will transport you to France for the evening. And dining at Morimoto Napa, located just a few doors down at 610 Main Street, feels like a trip to Japan, complete with sushi, sake, and even a little shopping.

We also adore the food at The Grove at the CIA, located at 500 1st Street in Napa. Here, shareable, Mediterranean-inspired dishes are chock full of ingredients from Copia’s own on-site gardens.

However, if you’re looking for a more unusual dining experience, you can go on a literal culinary journey via land or sea. Roll past Napa’s lush landscapes and travel back in time on the Napa Valley Wine Train, located at 1275 Mckinstry Street in Napa. This classic Napa experience is available for wine tours during the day, but they also offer a multi-course dinner at night. If that doesn’t float your boat, a Winemaker Cruise definitely will. Glide along the Napa River in a 50-foot yacht while enjoying a four-course dinner with wine pairings. The boat departs from the Napa Yacht Club, located at 100 Riverside Road in Napa.

Travelers looking for a relaxing vacation in Wine Country should pay attention to the small town of Calistoga. Visitors to Napa Valley’s most northern city can mingle with farmers, grape growers, winemakers, and locals just by walking down the street or stopping by one of the many restaurants or tasting rooms the town has to offer. Sipping wine and relaxing by a geothermal mineral pool are the main attractions, but charming Calistoga has much more to offer.

Staying in Calistoga

Calistoga hotels focus on relaxation. Many boast heated mineral pools warmed from the rich mineral water that runs below the town and on-site spa offerings for ultimate rejuvenation without leaving the property.

Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort and Mineral Springs

1507 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-4102

The recently renovated Dr. Wilkinson‘s perfectly blends nostalgic charm with a hip vibe and modern amenities. This modernized retreat offers everything needed for a perfect Calistoga getaway, including luxe rooms with plush bedding and mid-century decor; mouthwatering food and drink at the on-site restaurant, House of Better; healing mineral pools; and a plethora of restorative treatments at the spa. Opt for the signature mud treatment for a true Calistoga experience.

The Inn on Pine

1202 Pine Street, Calistoga, California 94515, (707) 942-6829

The Inn on Pine is surrounded by vineyards but is only a few minutes walk to downtown Calistoga. It offers 13 rooms outfitted with Wine Country inspired decor and plush beds, alongside in-room fireplaces and soaking tubs. Take a dip in their on-site hot tub, or pay a visit to their dry sauna for a relaxing way to end the day.

Wine Tasting in Calistoga

Calistoga is home to wineries of all sizes, and we have a feeling you’ll love tasting your way around this northern part of the Valley.

Bennett Lane

3340 Hwy CA-128, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-6684

Known for offering friendly service with its wines, Bennett Lane tasting room offers a variety of tasting experiences, including the Estate Tour Experience where a personal wine expert will lead you around the vineyards, as well as through a tasting of four Bennett Lane wines. If you’re a Cab Sauv lover, you might also be interested in the Ruby Fox Tasting which focuses on two of their Ruby Fox Cabernet Sauvignon vintages.

Frank Family Vineyards

1091 Larkmead Lane, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-0859

Set within the winery’s original Craftsman house is Frank Family Vineyards’ tasting room, where seated tasting experiences include samples of current release still and sparkling wines—many of which are exclusive to the winery. If Cabernet Sauvignon is your preferred varietal, don’t miss the Wines of Winston Hill Tasting, highlighting single vineyard Cabernets. For something slightly more elevated, book an experience in the winery’s chic new Miller House.

Tamber Bey

1251 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-2100

You’ll notice something a little different about Tamber Bey as soon as you arrive. This winery is home to not only beautiful wines but also beautiful horses! Tamber Bey is a family-run operation of equestrian lovers through and through and their hardwork and dedication comes through in their wide variety of wine offerings. Book their Courtyard Experience which lets you choose your tasting flight of vineyard-designated wines or dig a little deeper in the Collector’s Tasting, a private experience geared towards collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Brunch in Calistoga

Calistoga brunch is a must for visitors looking to go wine tasting in the afternoon. Many restaurants are open for brunch on weekdays, as well as weekends.

Cafe Sarafornia

1413 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, CA 94515 (707) 942-0555

Cafe Sarafornia serves a traditional diner breakfast with a Wine Country twist. Seasonal dishes such as the Brannan Benedict—two poached eggs, avocado, bacon, and their very own gravy sauce on an English muffin—grace the menu, and portions are big, so bring your appetite.

Solbar

755 Silverado Trail N., Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 226-0800

Solbar is a Michelin-recognized hotel restaurant and bar that is trendy yet approachable. Guests are treated to farm-fresh, seasonal ingredients, from breakfast to late-night lounge snacks. While the interior of the restaurant is beautifully designed, it’s hard to beat starting your day with an al fresco meal on the expansive patio. At night, it’s also the place to be to enjoy the 20-foot long fire pit.

Lunchtime in Calistoga

If you are planning early morning or evening adventures in Calistoga, there are no shortage of places to grab a bite to eat midday.

Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery

1250 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-4101

The Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery is for travelers who are looking for a casual lunch and a place to grab a beer (refreshing after a day of wine tasting). The outdoor patio with fire pits stretches along the Napa River and all the beer is made in the historic water tower.

Sam’s Social Club

1712 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-4913

Sam’s Social Club is a favorite stop for brunch, lunch, and dinner in the Calistoga restaurant scene, known for its thoughtfully composed seasonal comfort foods. Stop by between wine tastings to try their Seared Ora King Salmon Sandwich or Pork Schnitzel.

Dinner in Calistoga

After a day of exploring northern Napa Valley, it’s time to kick back, relax, and savor the many amazing flavors of the region.

Evangeline

1226 Washington Street, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 341-3131

Evangeline is casual French fare with a Creole twist. Tables are mostly patio seating, so make sure to bring layers when dining here, but it’s worth it to enjoy an al fresco evening sipping an Old Fashioned and noshing on Fried Pickles, Steak Frites, and savory Gumbo Yaya.

Lovina

1107 Cedar Street, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-6500

The sign “Great Food” outside their small patio isn’t just good marketing, it’s a promise to guests to expect nothing but delicious eats at Lovina. Formerly known as the Calistoga Kitchen, Lovina dishes up heart-warming comfort food with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. Stop in for dinner (or brunch!) and dig in to a basket of warm sourdough with kale, pistachio pesto butter with their famed Wine Forest Risotto, and if you happen to stop by on a Wednesday night, enjoy discounted bottles of wine from their extensive list of Napa favorites and no corkage fees.

Adventures in Calistoga

There is much more to Calistoga than wine tasting. Travelers from all over the world visit here to experience the mineral pools, unique sites, and bountiful Wine Country shopping.

Plan to visit Safari West, a 400-acre wildlife sanctuary outside of Calistoga. Where else can you find giraffes, antelope, and lemurs in Wine Country? They also offer glamping, for a more comprehensive outdoorsy experience.

Also worth checking out is the Old Faithful Geyser of California, located just north of downtown Calistoga. Get up close and personal as the geyser erupts every 20 to 30 minutes.

Downtown has many local shops with unique gifts. Walk along Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga’s main street, and experience shops owned by locals including Ca’Toga Galleria D’Arte and Copperfield’s Books.

There’s already enough to think about during the holidays, like who is hosting Christmas dinner? What stories are going to emerge from the office holiday party? Will it be ham, turkey, or tofurky this year? And just how “ugly” do they really mean when they say “ugly sweater party”?

With that in mind, we have removed the stress from what some feel is the biggest, scariest to-do this season: holiday gift shopping. We’ve searched high and low to compile the perfect round up of gift ideas for everyone on your list. And to make your holiday shopping even easier, our gift guide only features items that can be purchased online, so pour yourself a glass and get clicking.

Are you the kind of person who breaks into a cold sweat when someone mentions how many days there are until Christmas? Panics at the mere mention of “holiday shopping”? Fear not! We have created the most comprehensive holiday gift guide yet, packed with dozens of wine-themed gift ideas for the wine lover, the foodie, mom and dad, and even the pickiest, fussiest, most difficult-to-buy-for people on your list. And the best part? All of these items are available for purchase online. So, refill that wine glass and get shopping.

Your mother taught you to never show up empty-handed to someone else’s house. But instead of that dusty, off-vintage wine that’s probably on round five of the regifting circuit, why not bring one of those holiday gifts that you’d really like to keep for yourself?

1. Domaine Carneros Merry Cocktail – Domaine Carneros, $170 | This set not only features a bottle of Estate Brut Cuvée, it also includes gorgeous sparkling vintage coupes, a gold-brushed 4-piece bar set and shaker, gold rimming sugar, and a jar of French brandied Cherry Griottines. Sparkling wine cocktails, anyone?
2. Medlock Ames 2021 Garden Collection Gift Set – Medlock Ames, $150 | This gift set offers all the good things in life – a bottle of 2018 Kate’s & B’s Cabernet Sauvignon, their zippy estate-grown olive oil, and a jar of mixed berry jam all bundled up in a gorgeous Medlock Ames gift box.
3. Vera Wang PARTY Prosecco – VeraWangParty.com, $24.95 | Set the right tone for any holiday gathering when you show up with a bottle of this bright, fun, and fashion-forward bubbly.

If you’ve got someone on your list with a bad case of wanderlust, keep them grounded, while still indulging their jet-setting tendencies, with these wine-travel-themed gifts.

1. Napa Valley Framed Map – WineCountry Shop, $75 | A stylish addition to any wine lover’s wall, this detailed map of the famous Napa Valley wine region lays out over 400 wineries and 16 AVAs all printed on premium paper, matted, and framed with a choice of black, white, or natural frame.
2. Russian River Road Trip Gift Package – Papapietro Perry, $220 | Sip your way through the Russian River Valley and explore what makes this region so celebrated for its pinot noir without ever leaving home. This gift set includes three unique expressions of pinot noir, a wine opener, and some handmade Volo Chocolates.
3. WineCountry Experiences Gift Card – WineCountry Experiences, any amount | From activities like vineyard horseback rides to walking food tours, and more, this versatile gift lets the recipient choose their own Wine Country adventure.

These folks don’t just have wine bottles sitting in a rack on the counter. They are the ones with temperature- and humidity-controlled home cellars, library wine selections from all over the world, and a wine decanter for every varietal. Treat them to one of these gifts for the true connoisseur.

1. Classic Champagne Saber – WineCountry Shop, $129.99 | Add a little 19th century French showmanship to your wine service with this stainless steel Champagne saber with a polished wood handle.
2. Jordan Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Vertical Gift Set – Jordan Winery, $486 | Explore how great wines can develop in bottle with this six-wine gift set of Jordan’s iconic cabernet sauvignon. Includes one bottle each from the 2010 – 2015 vintages packaged in a gorgeous wood box.
3. Pio Cesare 2017 “Barolo Pio” – Wine.com, $85 | Not only is this elegant and age-worthy Barolo an Italian wine drinker’s dream, it is also a commemorative bottling in celebration of this iconic wine family’s 140-year anniversary.

Foodies are some of the best people to have in your life, and not just around Christmas or Hanukkah. Their movie nights include stovetop popped corn with hand-ground mixed spices and browned butter. They make a cheese board look better than an Instagram food stylist. And they’ve spent far too much money trying all the gourmet goodies from Goldbelly. This year, dazzle them with one of these culinary-themed holiday gifts (and hope they share).

1. Martini & Caviar Gift Set – Hanson of Sonoma Distillery, $200 | Not only does this kit include every foodie’s favorite indulgence – caviar (30 grams of Thomas Keller’s Regiis Ova Caviar, to be precise) – it also includes a bottle of Hanson’s small-batch organic vodka, two engraved stemmed glasses, one jar of Castelvetrano Olives (for those dirty martinis), a mother-of-pearl caviar spoon, a caviar key, and a recipe card.
2. Infused Oil Trio – Round Pond Estate, $109 | These gourmet olive oils – infused with garlic, rosemary, and lemon pepper – are perfect for drizzling as a final culinary touch, or for dipping a hunk of crusty bread along with your favorite bottle of Round Pond Estate wine.
3. Churro Fiesta in a Box – San Diablo Artisan Churros, $59.99 | The kid in all of us will love this DIY kit, which comes with nine churro nozzles, San Diablo’s award-winning dry churro mix, cinnamon sugar topper, Dulce de Leche in a reusable filling bottle, and other fun extras.

Whether it’s hiking, camping, picnicking, or just plain adventuring, outdoorsy people love a good excuse to get some fresh air. Now they can do so while also enjoying a tipple or two in style with these great gifts for the outdoor enthusiast in your life.

1. Landmark Vineyards Picnic Kit – Landmark Vineyards, $125 | A day outdoors doesn’t have to mean a day without wine! This thermoregulated canvas and willow tote holds a bottle of 2019 Overlook Chardonnay and Overlook Pinot Noir, a wine opener, a cheese knife, and a hardwood cutting board for the perfect picnic adventure.
2. Copper Still Distillery Chocolate Flavored Whisky – Great American Craft Spirits, $39.99 | We can’t think of a better way to warm up after a day of hiking or camping than sitting around the fire sipping some of this decadent whisky infused with pure chocolate nibs from the Dominican Republic. Delicious on its own, or mixed in with a cup of hot cocoa for a double treat.
3. Boxxle Premium Wine Preserver and Dispenser – Amazon, $98.99 | Liven up your campsite or backyard party with this stylish 3-liter wine dispenser, designed to hold your favorite bag-in-box wine selections for better preservation and proper countertop wine dispensing.

Whether you’re shopping for your mom, your dad, or – gasp! – the in-laws, finding the perfect gift for parents can be stressful. We’ve got you covered with these unique gift ideas for the parents who need a break from the kids, the mom who loves a killer martini, the future father-in-law you are desperate to impress, and all the grown-ups – kids or no kids – in between.

1. The Perfect Night In – Abbot’s Passage, $120 | Invite your loved one to relax for some good old-fashioned fun with this cozy gift set, featuring handmade Wolfum wooden dominos, an engraved corkscrew, and a bottle of the 2018 Makeshift Red Field Blend.
2. MotoDoffo 2017 Art Series Four Pack– Doffo Winery, $209 | Impress the wine and moto-enthusiast in your life with this collection of unique wines from Southern California’s Temecula Valley. Each label on this four-pack of wine features a vintage motorcycle hand-painted on a Post-It note by artist Doug Breuninger.
3. Kastra Elion Greek Martini Gift Basket – Pompei Gift Baskets, $150 | This gift set includes a bottle of the first premium sipping vodka distilled from Greek olives, as well as Dolin Vermouth, Krinos olives, a shaker, stirrer, two martini glasses, and an elegant wooden tray for serving the perfect dirty martini.

Obviously the toughest to shop for, these people force us to really get our creative juices flowing. Lucky for you, we’ve done the juicing for you with these totally unique gift ideas for those impossible recipients.

1. Covet Pass – Covet Pass, $150 | Turn your gift recipient into the ultimate Wine Country VIP with this first-of-its-kind pass that offers complimentary tastings at select California and Baja wineries, not to mention a ton of other hotel, travel, shopping, and experience perks.
2. “Rarest of Them All” HāLo Collector Gift Set – Trefethen, $240 | Trefethen’s rarest and most beloved cabernet sauvignon, named after Hailey and Lorenzo Trefethen, elegantly packaged in a branded wooden box is sure to impress even the pickiest gift recipient.
3. At-Home Wine Blending Kit – Rutherford Hill, $225 | Unleash someone’s inner winemaker with this hands-on wine blending kit, featuring a selection of small-format bottles of Rutherford Hill wines and all the tools to create, bottle, and label a totally custom wine blend.

Keep your friends close and your coworkers closer. This year, skip the paperweights and store-bought chocolates and win over your colleagues with these thoughtfully-curated drinks-themed gifts. Who knows – your boss may even reward you with a holiday bonus… for all your hard work, of course.

1. Cocktail Smoker Top Smoke Stack Kit – The Crafty Cocktail, $84.99 | Give the gift of creative mixology with this kit that includes everything one needs to add the mysterious smoke topper to a craft cocktail, like any good bartender these days should do.
2. VIADER 2018 “Black Label” – VIADER, $150 | If looking for a wine gift for your wine lover boss, this bottle delivers. You will win over anyone on or off the job with this opulent Napa Valley blend of estate-grown cabernet sauvignon, syrah, cabernet franc, and malbec.
3. Vinyl Lovers Gift Set – Tank Garage Winery, $65 | Your hippest coworker will love this throwback gift set, featuring a bottle of Forever Baby Rosé, a vinyl album curated by the Tank Garage team and “inspired by youthful optimism,” and a vinyl record coaster set.

We’ve all got one of these in our lives: The type that loves to lounge, regularly practices self-care rituals, and would much rather spend the night in with a luxurious bottle of wine and a great book than head out on the town. Treat them with these extra cozy gifts this holiday season.

1. Uma Stewart “go to cocktail” 11-oz Soy Wax Blend Candle – Uma Stewart, $65 | With 90 hours of burn time, this hand-poured candle offers heavy aromas of lime, ginger, and mint, calling to mind the drink that should be sipped alongside it.
2. Gratsi Bàcaro Wine Glasses & Playing Cards – Gratsi, $25 | A Bàcaro is a casual Italian wine bar where people sip wine and snack, which is exactly what the homebody will want to do with this adorable set… especially if you gift them a box of Gratsi’s Old Country Red for their new house red as well.
3. Sokol Blosser “Four a Big Celebration” Magnum Gift Set – Sokol Blosser, $250 | No one will have to leave the house with this four-pack of Magnums on-hand, including three vintages of the elegant Dundee Hills Pinot Noir and one of the Rosé (you know, for brunch the next day).

We’ve all found ourselves stuffing stockings with the usual wine stoppers, toys, and other pocket-sized gifts, only to realize we’ve got a long way to go before the stockings are filled. Top them up with these last-minute stocking stuffers and say “That’s a Wrap” to your holiday shopping.

1. Napa Valley Wine Train Gift Card – Napa Valley Wine Train, any amount | Lifelong memories come in small packages. Passengers journey through vineyards while enjoying gourmet California cuisine and private label wines aboard this restored train made up of early 20th century Pullman cars.
2. Library Box of Four Assorted Dark Chocolate Bars – Vine to Bar, $34.50 | These chocolate bars are the world’s first dark chocolate made from Chardonnay Marc – freshly-crushed grapes dried and milled – making them the perfect stocking-stuffer for the wine and chocolate-lover in your life.
3. Purifyou Glass Water Bottle – Purifyou, from $17.97 | Water (and wine) just taste better in glass. You can carry both in these sleek, eco-friendly glass bottles with protective silicone sleeves. A portion of sales also goes toward promoting sustainable living across the planet so you can feel even better about your gift-giving.

After a challenging 2020 that included not only a pandemic, but several devastating wildfires, Napa Valley should be at the top of your list for 2021 travel. In spite of the hardships, plenty of exciting new businesses — from restaurants and hotels to wineries and boutique shops — opened their doors recently to further diversify Napa’s world-class offerings in all things wine, food, and R&R.

While this Wine Country destination is unfortunately kicking off the new year under lockdown due to Covid-19, Napa Valley is expected to safely reopen to visitors by mid-to-late January and the time to start planning is now.

Please note: Napa County is currently under a stay-at-home order. Non-essential travel is prohibited, but hotels are accepting reservations for future stays. Please visit our Covid news page for more information and updates.

Stay

There are three new hotels for you to consider when booking your Napa Valley accommodations. Bann at Oak Knoll Napa is a sweet little bed and breakfast that looks nothing like any other hotel in the area. Formerly the Oak Knoll Inn, Bann is decorated to reflect the traditional design of homes found in three different regions in Thailand. Each room and suite is unique with bright colors and an array of fun textures, materials, and patterns. The property has decks and pergolas for lounging, a pool and spa, and offers complimentary breakfast and afternoon tea service.

Napa Valley’s northernmost and arguably-sleepiest town of Calistoga is in the middle of a renaissance, thanks in part to new, luxury hotels. One of Calistoga’s oldest resorts, Dr. Wilkinson’s, has just wrapped up a head-to-toe renovation and will be open for reservations starting mid-January. The resort dates back to 1952 and was allegedly the town’s original wellness resort that tourists sought out for relaxation in the spring-fed mineral pools and mud baths. Post-makeover, Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs stays true to its roots — and the iconic neon sign remains — but now it’s all shiny, contemporary, and new with a totally-chic, reimagined spa and a restaurant, House of Better.

The Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley on the edge of downtown Calistoga (Take the Silverado Trail north from Napa until it ends) was set to open in 2020, but like many new businesses, they were delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The resort is now set to open in early 2021 and features a pool, spa, multiple dining options, and even a winery, run by top Napa Valley winemaker Thomas River Brown, who’s been awarded 23 100-point scores from wine critic Robert Parker throughout his career. When making your reservation, snag one of the vineyard view rooms — relaxing, light-filled accommodations complete with vaulted ceilings, in-room fireplaces, and stunning views of vineyards and the Palisades Mountains.

Sip

New Spots for Wine

There are a handful of new Napa Valley wineries to visit and taste at. Please note: these are all appointment-only. One of the most exciting new winery openings is Faust Haus, a four-year restoration project in an 1800s Victorian that sits on a hilltop overlooking Hwy 29. It’s the first-ever home for longtime Napa cabernet brand Faust Wines, which specializes in wines from Napa Valley’s up-and-coming Coombsville AVA. The views of the valley and vineyards below are unmatched, while the sophisticated, simple, and at times eclectic interior is a design lover’s dream. Make sure you check out the Prohibition-era cellar before you leave.

For a low key wine tasting of high-end vino, swing by the Oasis by Hoopes, which has stripped away all pomp and circumstance in favor of a more casual atmosphere featuring a regenerative farm, garden, airstreams, farm stand, and animal sanctuary (they’ve got a donkey, turkey, chickens, goats, and more).

BRION is unique in that the owner has recruited not one, but three rockstar Napa winemakers, each focused on crafting a single-vineyard cabernet sauvignon from a region of Napa Valley that they’re most familiar with. The winery and tasting room, which opened to visitors at the end of 2020, have been built into a carefully restored bank barn (one of just two remaining in California), offering a one-of-a-kind tasting experience that takes place far off the main road with a view of the estate vineyards.

In St. Helena, longtime family-owned wine brand Lang & Reed recently opened a new, cozy tasting salon just a block off the town’s Main Street. Lang & Reed does things differently, focusing on the production of cabernet franc and chenin blanc, two grape varieties you won’t find bottled by themselves too often in Napa Valley. Sit out on the quiet front porch of the tasting room and sip away the afternoon in the bucolic St. Helena, where you can also do some shopping and dining when you’re done.

Finally, BRAND Napa Valley isn’t technically new, but it does have new ownership, which unveiled a stunning winery and tasting room redesign in 2020. Located high up on Napa’s esteemed Pritchard Hill, this is definitely one of those off-the-beaten-path gems for fine wine lovers and collectors.

A Perfect Pairing

Salt and acid are scientifically proven to be a great culinary match and this concept has inspired a trio of Napa Valley wineries to experiment with a different kind of food and wine pairing experience. Shaking things up from the standard wine and cheese experiences in Wine Country, Shadowbox Cellars, Silver Trident Winery, and Markham Vineyards have all launched unique and super-casual wine and potato chip pairings. Each wine is carefully paired with a different flavored chip, like Dry Aged Ribeye or Hawaiian Red Sea Salt at Shadowbox.

New Wine Bars

There are two new wine bars in Napa and each is specifically catered to a certain type of wine lover. Bar Lucia in the Oxbow Public Market pours all things pink. Patrons can rosé all day year-round with more than a dozen of local, small production rosés produced several ways: still, sparkling, frozen, and sometimes in a can. There are a handful of whites and reds for those who are feeling more traditional and as for food, Bar Lucia has small plates like dips and charcuterie boards, salads, and sandwiches.

True to its name, Be Bubbly in downtown Napa proves that sparkling wine isn’t just for special occasions. The menu features bubbles from all over the globe — Champagnes, Proseccos, Cavas, and more — in a wide range of price points with small bites (caviar, charcuterie, cheesy sticks, etc.) to pair.

Something Different

If you need a palate cleanser during a Napa Valley visit, head to the new California Brandy House, which opened downtown at First Street Napa at the end of 2020. Sip through a flight of California’s luxury brandies made from California wine grapes — including single-barrel samples that you can’t get anywhere else — from producers Argonaut and Germain-Robin. You can even take home a custom-engraved bottle to enjoy throughout the rest of the year (or give as a gift).

Eat

EmpressM, a new, fine-dining dim sum and Chinese restaurant, offers traditional dishes that celebrate the “eight regional cuisines,” including Peking Duck, Sichuan Spicy Fish, and Mongolian Lamb Chops. Dim sum plates include vegetarian options like spinach, snow pea, and mushroom dumplings, seafood, and more adventurous bites, like chicken feet.

EmpressM is just down the way from La Cheve, a Mexican bakery, brewery, and restaurant that opened this past summer inside Napa’s oldest building, an adobe that dates back to 1845. The beer is brewed in-house by owner Cinthya Cisneros, and her mother, Mama Juana, makes all of the pastries, including ones with booze in them.

For a quick, yet fulfilling bite between tastings, grab some authentic, Argentine empanadas from El Porteño in flavors like Carne, La Maradona (tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella), and Esparragos (asparagus, roasted red peppers, Gouda). El Porteño built up a loyal following at the Ferry Building in San Francisco and is now the newest vendor at the Oxbow Public Market with its second brick and mortar.

While Napa Valley is known to be sleepy and limited on nightlife, a new card room and restaurant is opening to kick-off 2021 with a little more action. Operating outside (for now), Ace & Vine will stay open until 2 a.m. and feature Blackjack, Texas Holdem, and Baccarat tables. Food and drinks can be ordered from The Deck, serving up Asian and comfort food fusion dishes like lobster fish and chips, a dim sum-style steamed salmon basket, and the Nam Tok Burger with spicy pork belly and papaya slaw.

In the spring, the Calistoga Motor Lodge & Spa will open its new restaurant called Fleetwood, specializing in original craft cocktails and farm-to-table, wood-fired pizzas — which hotel guests can even order poolside — like Potato Leek with taleggio, bacon, chili flake, and parmesan or the Roasted Chicken with garlic cream, asparagus, pepperoncini, lemon, and herbs. For dessert, there’s even a 9-inch wood fire cookie.

Shop

First Street Napa, a high-end, outdoor shopping area full of boutique local retailers, continues to grow and evolve in downtown Napa. There’s a slew of new shops — 13 to be exact — that opened in 2020, making this destination worthy of an afternoon visit (there are plenty of restaurants and tasting rooms there, plus hotels, too). Notable newcomers include Honey Whiskey, I-Elle, and Tay & Grace clothing boutiques, Riza Plants, and Paint Nail Bar. There are some nationally-known brands to shop as well, and First Street Napa just announced that Anthropologie will be opening in mid-2021.

With so many new and beautiful wineries, restaurants, shops, and hotels to explore in Napa Valley Wine Country, this is the perfect destination for dipping your toes back in the travel game after a long year away.

If you find yourself constantly reaching for Napa Valley wines with dinner, or just want to elevate your at-home wine drinking experience, you may want to consider investing in glassware designed to enhance your overall enjoyment of Napa wines.

While it’s not necessary to spend a fortune on the “proper” glassware for each wine varietal — and if we’re being honest, you can drink wine from whatever vessel you’d prefer, even if said vessel is a coffee mug or Solo cup — there is truth in that the shape of a glass can make a difference in the wine’s overall appeal. So, if you’re ready to take your wine glass game up a notch, here are tips for choosing the right wine glasses for your favorite Napa wines.

Why Does Shape Matter?

Certain wine glasses are specifically designed to improve the taste and character of a wine by directing aromatic compounds and taste profiles to hit different areas of the nose and tongue. Essentially what happens is, when you swirl and taste, the shape of a glass will affect the position of those flavor compounds as they reach your nose or mouth, making the wine come more alive, or not, depending on the vessel design. And no, we’re not just saying that, it’s actually been scientifically proven!

Now that you know that vessel shape matters, you may be wondering if stemless or stemmed wine glasses are preferable. While some argue that wine, especially white, should never be served in a stemless glass (your hand can warm up the wine too quickly), the stem versus stemless debate doesn’t matter as much as the shape and size of the bowl. So whether you opt for fancy stemmed wine glasses or modern, everyday stemless ones, the most important thing in choosing the best glassware is that your glass bowl has enough space above the wine to swirl and collect aromas in the glass.

Best Wine Glasses for Cabernet Sauvignon

Chances are, if you like Napa wine, then you are probably a fan of cabernet, widely known as the King of Napa grapes. When it comes to wine glasses, a good fit for cabernet sauvignon and other bold red wines is the traditional “Bordeaux Glass,” which consists of a large, less rounded bowl with height, or the “Cabernet Glass,” which is broad but slightly smaller than the Bordeaux. Since Napa cabernets tend to be high in alcohol and tannin, that extra distance between you and the wine allows some of the typical ‘burn’ of the ethanol to dissolve before it reaches your nose, while a wider opening lets in more oxygen and directs the wine to the back of the mouth, softening the harshness of the tannins as you sip.

Try:

Riedel Extreme Cabernet Glass
Zalto Denk’Art Bordeaux Crystal Glass
Riedel O Wine Tumbler

Best Wine Glasses for Chardonnay

Though some white wines are served in smaller bowled glasses, which preserve delicate aromas and acidity, full-bodied and oaked whites like chardonnay are better suited to larger glasses. A “White Burgundy Glass,” which is similar in shape to a pinot noir glass, features a wide bowl and narrow rim, thereby concentrating the aromatics of the creamier, oaked whites in order to offset some of the richness of the fruit. Unoaked or younger chardonnays, on the other hand, tend to be served in traditional white wine glasses, known as the “Chardonnay Glass.” Its slightly narrower rim concentrates aromas more precisely, while allowing some of the more apparent acidity from stainless steel fermentation to shine through.

Try:

Riedel VINUM Chardonnay Glass
Eisch Superior Chardonnay Glass
Lenox Tuscany Classics Chardonnay Glass

Best Wine Glasses for Sauvignon Blanc

Unlike chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and other light-bodied, acidic white wines fare better in smaller bowled glasses. A narrow rim preserves aromas while a less broad bowl allows the wine to maintain a cooler temperature. Its shape also directs the wine to the center of your palate to avoid the unfavorable mouth puckering sensation that can be caused by high levels of acidity reaching the sides of your tongue.

Try:

Zalto Denk’Art White Wine Glass
Schott Zwiesel Tritan Crystal White Wine Glass
Spiegelau Grande White Wine Glasses

Best Wine Glasses for Zinfandel

Zinfandel from Napa Valley tends to be bold with ripe fruit notes and peppery, allspice characters. Medium-sized red wine glasses with a slightly larger rim work well for zinfandel by supporting the bouquet while softening some of the strong flavors and alcohol as it hits your tongue.

Try:

Riedel Wine Series Zinfandel Glass
Waterford Marquis Red Wine Glass
Gunmetal Black Stemless Wine Glass

Best Wine Glasses for Sparkling Wine

While coups are a stylish nod to a bygone era, they really aren’t the best vessels for sparkling wine as they allow in too much oxygen, thereby diminishing the wine’s effervescence — and sparkling wine just isn’t the same without those bubbles. While a Champagne flute is also synonymous with bubbly, its narrow opening (and standard high pour) make it hard to appreciate the wine’s aromas. For optimal drinking pleasure, kiss the flute and coupe goodbye and instead opt for a tulip glass or tapering wine glass, which both allow bubbles to form and aromas to unfold.

Try:

Zalto Denk’Art Champagne Glass
Riedel Vintage Champagne Glass
Schott Zwiesel Tritan Finesse Champagne Glass

A few things to consider:

Budget & Space

While we recommend investing in one to two styles that match your wine preferences, you can’t go wrong with one set of glassware that is considered “universal,” meaning it’s suitable to most varieties. Many stemware producers, including Zalto and Gabriel-Glas (our go-tos), are making universal glasses which are high in quality and generally work well with any type of wine. All-purpose glassware is not only space-saving (more room on the shelf!) and good for your budget (you’ll save on multiple sets of varietal-specific drinkware), they’re also a great option for those wine enthusiasts who simply don’t want to fuss over matching glass style with varietal.

Try:

Zalto Denk’Art Universal Glass
Gabriel-Glas StandArt Edition
Libbey All Purpose Wine Glass

Glass vs. Crystal

Crystal glasses offer an elegant, thin design, but they are usually much more expensive than glass. Hand washing is also strongly encouraged, so if you prefer barware that can go in the dishwasher then glass or dishwasher-safe crystal may be for you. Glass wine glasses are usually cost-effective and durable, but they are often not as well designed as their crystal counterparts when it comes to enhancing the flavors in wine. Simply put, choosing glass or crystal wine glasses really comes down to lifestyle. Super serious about your wine tasting? Then invest in better performing glassware. Too worried about breaking your precious Zalto glasses that it takes the fun out of drinking from them? Go cheaper. You can’t go wrong finding something that is right for you.